Takahashi: The Shedding of Blood

[oipotty]

Takahashi: The Shedding of Blood

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s140/Dizzt_13/Ketsuekiclan.png

Takahashi. This is where he sheds blood without faltering. This is where he basks in victory, mourns in defeat. This is the training thread of Takahashi, Shinobi of Sunagakure.

[oipotty]

Index of Training/Storyline

Chapter I: The First Drop of Blood ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?p=512202&posted=1#post512202)
Storyline: Meeting the Teachers
Day 1 - Leaf Concentration Exercises, Chakra Control Increased, Chakra Pool Increased
Day 2 - Taijutsu Training, Chakra Control Increased, Chakra Pool Increased
Day 3 - Vertical Walking Training, Chakra Control Increased, Chakra Pool Increased
Day 4 - Ketsueki Kademono Rabbit Ability Learned, Chakra Control Increased, Speed Increased, Stamina Increased

Chapter II: The Ketsueki Clan ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?p=528250#post528250)
Day 1 - Kenjutsu Training, Chakra Control Increased, Stamina Increased
Day 2 - Ketsueki Kademono Mole Ability Learned, Chackra Control Increased, Chakra Pool Increased



Chapter III: The Next Step ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?p=561671#post561671)
Day 1 - Taijutsu Training, Water Walking Training, Chakra Control Increased
Day 2 - Water Walking Trained, Water Walking Learned, Chakra Control Increased, Chakra Pool Increased
Storyline Progression - The Student Stopper Mission Prologue and Epilogue


Chapter IV: A Mission but No Pay ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?p=592902#post592902)
Storyline Mission in which Takahashi is sent to exterminate leeches and thereby help the Ketsueki Clan and its blood supply. During this, he meets many of the Ketsueki Clan and learns their customs.

Chapter V: A New Coming ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?p=627688#post627688)
A new shinobi named Wa comes to Sunagakure to train with Takahashi.
Day 1 - Introduction
Day 2 - Attempt to Train Ketsueki Kademono Monkey
Day 3 - Training With Wa, Chakra Control Increased, Chakra Pool Increased, Stamina Increased, Genjutsu/Ninjutsu Training

Chapter VI: The Dance of the Wind ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/editpost.php?do=updatepost&p=638033)
Day 1 - Karnaitachi no Jutsu Training, Karnaitachi no Jutsu Learned, Chakra Supply Increased, Chakra Control Increased
Day 2 - Karnaitachi no Jutsu Training, Chakra Pool Increased, Chakra Control Increased
Day 3 - Karnaitachi no Jutsu Training, Chakra Pool Increased, Chakra Control Increased
Day 4 - Storyline Progression. Raven and Kalif Storyline, Meeting with Takahashi

Chapter VII: Playing With Blood ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?p=653500#post653500)
Day 1 - Forced Anemic Training
The Devil's Game - Maj Storyline
Day 2 - "HEBI" Style Kenjutsu Training, Stamina Increased

Metting with the Adversary (http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?p=674100#post674100)
Takahashi meets with his opponent of his last battle. The Catgirl...

Chapter VIII: A New Level ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?p=680973#post680973)
Day 1 - Ketsueki Bunshin Training
Day 2 - Ketsueki Bunshin Training, Stamina Increased
Day 3 - Ketsueki Bunshin Training, Chakra Control Inreased
Day 4 - Ketsueki Bunshin Trained, Chakra Control Increased, Chakra Pool Increased, Ketsueki Bunshin Learned

The Preparation ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?p=684524#post684524)
Day 1 - Training Futon: Daitoppa
Day 2 - Training Futon: Daitoppa Complete

Missions/PVP Fights/Events
Trash in Bags, Recycling in Bins ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?t=14292) - D
The Student Stopper ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?t=14786) - C
Frozen River Lost Treasure ( http://www.narutochaos.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15187) - C
Michelangelo-Kun ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?t=15076) - C
Leeches (Unofficial Mission) ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?p=622351#post622351) - C
PVP Fight ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?p=636839#post636839) - Versus Wa (Nanashi777), WIN
The Sentei Family ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?t=16044) - D
Capture the Flag ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?t=16169) - D
PVP Fight ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?p=671383#post671383) - Versus Mitsukai (RemzRevolution)
The Hybrid Blood ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?t=17014) - C
Chuunin Exams 1 ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?t=17135)
PVP Fight (http://forum.narutochaos.com/showpost.php?p=690109&postcount=17) - Versus Sozo (Sozoku)
PVP Fight (Second Chance Tournament, Part 1) (http://forum.narutochaos.com/showthread.php?p=691528#post691528) - Versus Yakujo (Bartimaeus)
PVP Fight (Second Chance Tournament, Part 2) - AutoPass

Timeline

Chapter I
Trash in Bags, Recycling in Bins
Chapter II
The Student Stopper
Chapter III
Frozen River Lost Treasure
Michelangelo-Kun
Leeches
A New Coming
PVP Fight Versus Wa, WIN
The Dance of the Wind, Part I
The Sentei Family
The Dance of the Wind, Part II
Playing With Blood
Capture the Flag
PVP Fight Versus Mitsukai, LOSS
Meeting With the Adversary
The Hybrid Blood
A New Level
The Preparation
Chuunin Exams 1
PVP Fight Versus Sozo, WIN
PVP Fight (Second Chance Tournament, Part 1), WIN
CHUUNIN EXAMS - PASS

[oipotty]

Character Statistics ( http://forum.narutochaos.com/showpost.php?p=510144&postcount=149)

[oipotty]

The First Drop of Blood


It was a dark, winters day. The trees stood naked in the cold sun. Without their warm leaves covering their bear trunks, the oaks and maples shivered and whimpered. It was only six in the morning. A single boy stood outside in the cold morning. His name was Takahashi. His black hair waved in the wind and his eyes flashed from side to side. His eyes were a peculiar color: red. They looked dangerous. However, the rest of his body was calm. His muscles were relaxed and he calmly gazed at the world. Normally there would be a couple people outside in the densely populated Sunagakure. The streets, however, were barren. People probably wanted to stay inside their warm beds and hide themselves from the chilly outdoors. Takahashi wished to do the same.


The boy jumped quickly onto the rooftops some houses and made his way down the line of houses towards the village gates. Naturally, there were two shinobi waiting to meet him. Their eyes looked tired and their body stiff. They acknowledged him with a cut nod and Takahashi moved away into the deserts of Sunagakure. It wasn't cold in Sunagakure, it never was. The temperature was just chilly. Takahashi still wore his thin white and red robe, white pants and T-Shirt. Remembering his robe, Taka reached into an inner pocket and pulled out a crumpled note. Flattening it and holding it up to his eyes, Takahashi quickly scanned the paper.


Taka,
As you have begun your training as a shinobi, We will be your personal mentor. Meet us on the same oasis that we had stopped by on our way back from Genzou's.
Sincerely,
Splinter and Jackal


Splinter and Jackal, eh? They were the ones who had mysteriously picked him up from Old Man Genzou's and brought him back to Sunagakure. Memories flashed through his mind like lightning. He remembered his ten year period in Genzou's hut where he learned about shinobi, villages, jutsu, and much more. He did physical training to hone his muscles and to prepare him for the academy. One of the most important things, however, was the fact that he conquered his one, most prominent fear. His fear of blood. Sighing, he moved quietly towards the desert, to the oasis in which they had stopped for water. After ten minutes, the oasis was in sight. It was a serene sight, the water rippling gently in the morning wind. Birds of all sort were bathing in the water, the haven of water.


Within the eerie morning were two shapes, standing silently in the cool morning sun. Their form was familiar. Takahashi knew it was them.


Splinter and Jackal.


Cautiously, Takahashi approached and waved a hand in the air. They did not return the wave but continued to stare at him. The genin refused to be intimidated. Quietly, he walked up to them and awkwardly bowed. It was common respect to his elders. Genzou had taught it to him. Frankly, Genzou had taught him everything he currently knew and perceived the world. As he came closer, the two became more distinct. Jackal was shorter than he but much more compact and burly. Splinter was taller and more agile. Taka remembered his journey back from Genzou's in which Splinter sped ahead, faster than anyone he had seen before; even faster than Genzou.


They did not smile but instead nodded curtly. Takahashi knew it meant business. He was ready for it.

[oipotty]

Jackal: Your first exercise will be in chakra control. This will be the key to unlocking harder exercises like vertical walking, water walking, and learning jutsu. If you can improve in this exercise, I promise we'll be able to do all of the rest soon. This is just the beginning. A appetizer, if you will...

Splinter: Get to the point, Jackal. You're boring the kid.


Takahashi wasn't bored, just a little disappointed. He hoped that he would learn a new jutsu or learn to climb trees. He had seen older shinobi having fun on the trees.... upside-down. Taka had always wanted to do that. What Jackal was trying to describe sounded boring and tedious. Takahashi's red eyes flashed from side to side, looking for hints of the exercise. He saw nothing. Looking back at Jackal, who was furrowing his eyebrows and trying to organize his thoughts, Takahashi inwardly sighed. This would be the price to pay. Since he was young, Takahashi had heard all of of Genzou's adages. One of them translated to: "You need to work hard to get reward." It would be the same principle here. It wasn't that Takahashi didn't want to work hard, he just wanted to do something a little more exciting.


Takahashi: (I don't even know the exercise yet. I'll pass the verdict after he's done explaining.)


Patiently, Takahashi stretched his legs a little and concentrated on Jackal.


Jackal: This exercise has everything to do with concentration, for it is entitled Leaf Concentration Exercise. You will place a leaf, that I brought with me, upon your forehead and concentrate your chakra on it. Never take your attention off of the chakra and the leaf. Force your chakra onto the leaf. Keep your chakra flowing on your forehead and again, never loose concentration.

Takahashi: Easy.


Jackal just smirked and handed Taka a dry leaf to place upon his forehead. The genin wondered where Jackal had gotten the leaf. Sighing, he placed the leaf upon his forehead. Then, closing his eyes, the boy began to bring chakra up into his forehead and concentrate it into the leaf. He could feel his chakra moving from his head to the leaf. The chakra gathered into the leaf. Smiling, he tried to look bored. Suddenly, the chakra left his forehead, the leaf fell off of his head and fell to the ground.


Surprised, Takahashi quickly tried to cover up his mistake and place the leaf back on top of his head. After three consecutive tries, he still could not concentrate chakra on the leaf for over a minute. Then, Splinter spoke rapidly, telling Takahashi to concentrate and to clear his mind. Takahashi cleared his mind and placed the little leaf upon his forehead. Concentrate, concentrate, concentrate! Finally, the boy managed to keep the leaf upon his head and full of chakra for over a minute. Happily, the genin opened his eyes to the impatient Splinter.


Splinter: What did you stop for? You can stop if you keep it on that forehead of yours for over a hour!


Takahashi knew he was exaggerating but grudgingly placed it upon his forehead. Quietly, he closed his eyes. Half grinning, he realized that his training had begun. At the end of the day, the boy had already accomplished a entire fifteen minute session of non-stop and constant flowing chakra. He closed his eyes and fell upon the desert floor and slept in the open while Splinter and Jackal disappeared into the dying light.

[oipotty]

Takahashi awoke. His body was numb and his head spinning. He liked the outdoors, but sleeping outside was a different story. He had thought it would be like any other night’s sleep. He was wrong. Truthfully, the only reason he had fallen asleep was because of the fact that he had just completed a day’s worth of training that demanded absolute concentration. Getting up from his sleep he took out a crumpled leaf from the inner pocket of his cloak and placed it upon his forehead. Sitting upon a dead oak stump, he began to meditate, concentrating all of his chakra upon the leaf that was setting on his forehead. For ten minutes he sat there. At least he had retained some of his stamina and concentration from the day before. Finally, upon reaching yesterday’s fifteen-minute record, he stopped and hopped off the stump. Maybe today he would learn vertical climbing.


Where were Jackal and Splinter? Most likely still sleeping. Sighing, he placed the leaf upon his head once more. This, at the very least, would ease his vertical climbing training later, provided they were even doing it. Closing his eyes and closing his mind, Taka began the exercise. His red pupils disappeared under his eyelids. His muscles relaxed. Chakra flowed, invisible, through his body and into the leaf. He kept the chakra in that little leaf and never lost concentration.


Seconds past, minutes past. When finally his mind opened again and began to wander from subject to subject, it had been half an hour, double his past record. He opened his eyes and smiled. Next tiem he would try for more. This was another step to becoming stronger. Each these little milestone aided him in becoming a strong shinobi, a stronger person. Now, after completing that milestone, he realized the effect of the little exercise. A leaf was small, but the fruit of the exercise was great. This not only helped his chakra control, but also helped him to close his mind. His chakra would be able to freely move through his body, greatly aiding more advanced techniques. Closing his mind would allow him to concentrate in tight situations, one of the key ways to eliminate distraction.


Suddenly, a rustling of leaves was heard in the underbrush by the genin’s side. Takahashi instinctively whipped around only to find Splinter and Jackal smiling at him.


They had been there the entire time.


Splinter: Impressive. Half an hour in such a short period of training is quite a feat. I think your chakra skills have improved greatly. It’s time to move on. Taijutsu. That’s my area.

Takahashi: (Hmmm. Not what I expected, by sounds good.) Why? What does that have to do with chakra control. I thought the leaf thing was supposed to equip me for the next exercise.)

Splinter: It has. Now that your chakra can run cleanly through your body and you can control it with more ease, you can use it to strengthen your taijtusu. Ever heard of Sakura of Konoha, the famous medical-ninja? Now, have you ever heard of her monstrous strength? Ever wondered how she can pull that off? Applying chakra to your skeletal and muscular cells, increasing the rate of growth, is how it’s done. Therefore, your skeleton is harder to penetrate and your attacks are stronger. What we’ll do here is just basic taijutsu stuff. If you can add chakra to your blows, I guarantee you you’re attacks will increase its power signifigantly. Now, you’re ready to try it?


Jackal seemed happy that he could take a break. Jackal just took a seat and sat back, watching with amusement. Takahashi was already sweating from the apprehension. Splinter was standing straight up in a common taijutsu stance with his body weight upon his front leg. Was he supposed to take on this jounin in taijutsu? Hopefully Splinter would go easy on him. Sighing, he began to rush towards Splinter, aiming a punch at the jounin’s face. Suddenly, he doubled over and flew backwards. What had happened? Then, he realized. Splinter was a tall man with long legs. He also has swift movements. Spliter’s leg span is much longer than his arm-span. With a quick movement, the jounin had repelled him before his punch could land.


This was the power of a jounin.


It was time to apply his leaf concentration training. He concentrated chakra into his fist, just like in the exercise, except that was the forehead. Then, with a powerful push, he rushed forward and using momentum, jumped off the ground to jump above the jounin’s kick and land the punch. Suddenly, the same quick move occurred and he flew backwards again. He uttered the same grunt and doubled over once again. How was that possible? Then he knew. The jounin was not only fast and strong, but also flexible. To think his leg could reach that high. Splinter could see the surprise on Takahashi’s face.


Splinter: Surprised? You’ve obviously haven’t seen many ninja in your sixteen years of life. You’d better get some experience. That’s something you can’t gain overnight.


Taka spat upon the hard floor. The dirt absorbed the saliva as he stomped upon the dirt, kicking up dust. Takahashi began to jog towards Splinter at quite a slow pace. As he drew near, he sprinted forward and as Splinter’s foot raised, he ducked underneath and performed a neat sweep kick. His heel hit Splinter’s foot. Splinter didn’t move. Shocked, Takahashi got up and looked at Splinter. There was no way… his kick was completely ineffective! Suddenly, Splinter landed a punch at Takahashi’s gut and the genin flipped over, onto the floor.


He had a long way to go.


Takahashi: (I have to add chakra to my blows! Otherwise, at my current strength, I won’t be able to harm him)


Sullenly, the boy took a offensive stance and rushed towards his opponent. Flipping over Splinter, he brought chakra into his fist. With a quick and decisive movement, he landed a punch on Splinter’s back, sending him skidding slowly away. Splinter nodded in approval. Taka knew the old jounin had let him land the punch, but Splinter didn’t expect the chakra.

[oipotty]

Yesterday was another day, another day of training. Takahashi now stood in the dawn of the morning, practicing his taijutsu stances. He remembered how afterwards, he practiced endless taijutsu attacks, varying from sweep-kicks to hooks. Each time, he had remembered to add taijutsu in his attacks, strengthening them. The training had culminated with Taka landing a blow upon Splinter. He couldn't believe it. It hadn't hurt Splinter, but at least he had landed a blow. Even the thought of that made him shiver with pride. It was, in his opinion, the first major accomplishment in his life after he passed the academy. This also invigorated him, making him eager for more and more training. A new day of training would come, indeed.


Now was a new day. Takahashi wore a pure white cloak with red engravings.The boy stood, facing a tall oak. Jackal had told him to figure vertical climbing by himself. The genin knew he could practice the exercise on any vertical surface, but felt the need to do it on a tree. It was almost like a tradition. There were almost no trees in the Sunagakure deserts, not even by the many oasises. There was, however, a garden in Sunagakure that any shinobi could access. It was strictly garded and Takahashi had to go through quite a few registration processes to enter. Finally, though, he was admitted into the garden. This was his first time entering, and looking at the surrounding garden, he realized, for the first time, that this was much larger than he had expected. There were so many trees and therefore so many options to choose from. Finally, Takahashi settled down next to a relatively tall oak. It had scarce leaves and stood straight up.


Gathering chakra, the boy sent out to “wriggle” up the tree. He tried to distribute chakra evenly through his entire body and press the body upon the tree. Then, attempting to slide his body up, he used chakra and muscles. It failed miserably. As expected, the boy fell to the ground. He was getting to a bad start. Hopefully this horid beginning wouldn’t last. Sitting down the ponder, Takahashi realized that his entire body didn’t have to be in close proximity with the tree, only his feet. After all, the genin had seen the elderly man, Genzou, climb a tree with only his feet. How was that even possible? After a bit more contemplation, the black-haired boy stood up and tried to apply chakra to the air around him, attempting to alter the gravitational boundaries of the earth. Again, it failed. After thinking about it, it seemed too unrealistic.


Finally, it came to him. It seemed so dumb, but it could be the only way. Applying chakra to the feet, what else? Applying chakra to the other parts of the body would have no effect. It had to be applying it to the feet. Takahashi stood, thoughts flowing throughout his mind. He imagined himself upon the floor, broken bones and blood everywhere. Closing his mind, the boy cleared himself of these ill thoughts and put a single sole upon the surface of the rough tree. Tentatively, he placed the other foot on the tree. Expecting himself to fall upon his back, the genin was surprised. He was standing on the tree! Looking around, he saw the chakra on his feet. Blue energy formed a barrier between the tree and his feet. The chakra kept him up. Alas, it was only temporarily. Upon trying to take a step up, the genin slipped and fell. Shaking his head, he tried again, but to the same effect.


After much more contemplation, the boy discovered that it was his lack of chakra that was causing him to slip and fall. All he would have to do is put more chakra into his feet. After the taijutsu chakra exercises, Takahashi had become more comfortable with adding and lessening chakra flows in certain areas of his body, including the feet. He remember adding and lessening chakra from his feet to make a lighter and harder kick. Adding more chakra would definitely do the trick. Gathering as much chakra as possible in the genin’s feet, Takahashi jumped onto the large oak and began to climb. Suddenly, a mini-explosion occured, smoke engulfing the soles of his feet. Coughing and spluttering, the black-haired genin examined the tree to find thing dents upon the tree where he had stepped.


He had put too much chakra into the exercise. Too little chakra resulted in slipping and too much resulted in denting. He needed to add chakra that was in between the two amounts of chakras. After an hour, he had created a few more dents in the tree and slipped quite a few more times. However, his work paid off. Now, Taka had a perfect amount of chakra to add. It had to be right. Climbing up the tree, the genin was amazed at how his balance held. It really was the right amount of chakra! Suddenly, at half way, he felt himself slipping. Reminding himself to add more chakra, the boy strengthened the chakra flow. Then, he felt a strange tightening occuring in his legs. He was putting too much chakra into the exercise. Subsequently, he lightened the chakra flow. At the top, he felt himself slipping once again. The genin only had a few more steps, but was slipping. Takahashi immediately strengthened the chakra flow, but could not handle it. Suddenly, he fell. The entire time, the genin didn’t realixe the fact that his chakra was wasting. The entire day, he had been using up chakra. This was the price. He had run out of chakra at the last second. Leaves flurried down towards the ground as he did. Suddenly, his landing came; it was soft. Takahashi felt himself in the arms of someone. Then, he heard a familiar voice. Splinter. Then, the boy closed his eyes and fell asleep.

[oipotty]

Takahashi: (A couple more steps, a couple more!)


Takahashi was in the same garden of Sunagakure, practicing climbing. Today, he was much more proficient than he was the day before, however, he still needed some work. After an hour of refinement, under close supervision of Jackal, he was able to move on. Excited, the boy wished to learn more and more, but the two sensei dismissed him nonchalantly to the Sunagakure Desert with a leaf to practice leaf-concentration. After an hour, the boy couldn’t find anything more to do, so resolved to lie in the desert, staring at the royal blue sky. Above, he could see eagles flying around in circles. Tracing patterns with his eyes, Takahashi rolled aroun din the sand. Hopefully, Splinter and Jackal wouldn’t come to see him slacking. Without warning, a powerful gust of wind blew at Takahashi. Coughing and spluttering, the boy was blown backwards and his robe teared open. The wind was relentless. It was a fearsome monster ripping the clothes off Takahashi. The genin shook that thought out of his mind and tried to locate the source of the wind. He couldn’t, the wind was just too strong and sand flew into his eyes.


Finally, the wind died down. A gasping Takahashi wearily glared into the abated storm to see a dark, hazy figure standing like a statue. This was his assaliant. Furious, the boy charged into the dark smoke wildly, flailing his fist tactlessly at his aloof opponent. This was uncharacteristic of his normally calm character but he lost control of himself. His body ached as he charged. Suddenly, the opponent disappeared and he felt two objects slide into his hand. One was a pure red katana. The second was a bottle red liquid. Blood? Befuddled, Taka looked at his surroundings. Nothing. Suddenly, laughter came from behind him. Whirling around, a cloaked and masked man could be seen.


???: Hahahaha. That was fun. Drink the liquid. Drink the blood.


Takahashi spoke nothing. He wasn’t a foolish boy. He wasn’t going to drink the liquid. He didn’t trust the katana either. Dropping both items: katana and bottle, Takahashi glared at his adversary. The man’s mask shrouded his face. The mask was dark blue with little peepholes for his eyes. Underneath a dark, shadow-linen hood, the eyes could not be seen. Suddenly, a flurry of movements immediately paralyzed Takahashi. He couldn’t move. It was a simple Paralysis Technique. Suddenly, the boy felt liquid pouring down his throat. The liquid was red. His immediate instinct told him that it was poison. Suddenly, the jutsu was released and the genin began to cough and splutter harshly.


The red-eyed genin felt dizzy. He felt as if a part of himself didn’t belong. Taka’s red pupils narrowed and concentrated on the masked man. His eyes were full of hatred and questioning. Analyzing the seemingly hopeless situation and thinking of the best thing to do, Takahashi began to sweat. His eyes lay unblinking upon the masked man, but his adversary didn’t flinch. When a child, people had turned away or most often flinched at his glaring red eyes but it did not happen here. Giving up on the glare, Takahashi’s eyes turned pleading. That seemed to lighten the masked man. Maybe he would give the poor genin some answers!


???: Alright. That was poison. Don’t worry. There is a way to save yourself. Do you know how?


Takahashi didn’t. This man was probably lying. There most likely wasn’t a cure for the poison. No matter, it was his only chance of living. Who was this assaliant anyway. Why him? A growing feeling of sickness rose in his body. The poison was kicking in. Taka could only grumble out several words.


Takahashi: Tell me how.

???: Haha. I knew you’d say that. All you have to do is adapt to the poison. Make your body change in order to adapt to the poison. If you don’t, you’ll die. Oh yeah, if you adapt, you’ll not only live, but also learn a really useful jutsu. Sounds good? All you have to do is to get your blood moving. Adapt to the alien poison in your body. Locate it and finally adapt to it. Change yourself to make yourself live.


It did sound good. In fact, if it was the truth, it sounded extremely good. Was in the truth, though? Probably not. Was he going to die? Probably. Maybe this man was telling the truth. How would it hurt? If he was going to die anyway, why not try out this adaption thing. It might be his only chance to live. Getting his blood moving was easy. Since he had conquered his fear of blood, the genin had always had a strange type of affinity towards blood. Only Genzou had understood the affiliation. He began to like blood. It was a strange phenomena. Suddenly, the boy could feel the foreign substance in his body. Amazed, the boy followed the substance around his bloodstream. What was it about the strange substance in his body that he found farmiliar?


The next step was adaptation. He had to change himself in order to take in this new substance. In a desperate attempt, Takahashi tried to concentrate upon the substance and maybe magically, his body would change. It didn’t work. He knew it wouldn’t work. There must be a solution. Suddenly, the idea hit him. It was the same as leaf concentration, empowering taijutsu, and tree-walking. It was the force that powered the world. It is the most essential thing to a shinobi. It was one thing: chakra. He had to change his body with chakra. He had to replicate the chakra traces in the substance and use it to change himself. He had to do it quickly. Suddenly, using all of his remaining chakra, Takahashi began to alter his form using the substance as a reference. A puff of smoke could be seen. Suddenly, Takahashi stood, a different man. His legs felt light. They felt stronger. Running around, the boy was much faster. Using taijutsu, his legs were a lot stronger.


???: So, Takahashi, you finally did it. I was wondering how long it would tak for you to get used to the rabbit’s blood. Alas, you have a new jutsu, Ketsueki Kademono.

[Bartimaeus]

Wow oip!! A lot of improvement since last time I pooed on your head...erm...Yelled at you...you've become quite good, I think you should fighting someone in PvP to see what you've become on that part. But so far so good

[oipotty]

The Ketsueki Clan


It was the next day. Takahashi’s mind was boggled with the happenings of the previous day’s events. The series of attacks followed by strange instruction. Splinter and Jackal had come to examine him and told him that poison was never injected into his body. Yesterday’s adversary was now no where to be found, leaving him with the same bottle with red liquid and a pure red katana. Taka spent minutes looking at the bottle. Nothing could make him forget the sensation: the sensation of power. His feet felt light. He could run like only the wind could. When he stamped upon the floor, dirt from compacted soil sprayed around like metal ripped through it. The masked man had told him it was a jutsu. Could it be? Splinter and Jackal had yet to teach the genin a jutsu, but was it possible that he had learned a jutsu?


His two senseis heard his tale and looked at it with skeptism. They dismissed it as common child’s wishful thinking. They still questioned him on how he go the bottle and katana, but still refused to believe that his story was real. Could apocryphal tales be told with such fluency and genuity as he had described it? Regardless, Splinter and Jackal refused to believe it. There was only one way to test it. He had to try it again. Taking the bottle and gulping down one sip of the liquid, he began to adapt to the blood as he did before. The sensation was extraordinary. With a leaping motion, he began to sprint across and through the forest. Quickening his pace as he moved, the boy felt as if he were flying. The sky swirled above him and the ground whizzed past. Chakra was being eaten up every moment in which he used the technique. When at last he could not run for any longer, Takahashi stopped. His body was invigorated as well as exhausted. It was a strange feeling indeed.


This was the technique refered to the man as one name: Ketsueki Kademono. It would be his first jutsu.


Splinter had arrived to teach him how to use a katana. The entire training was full of the old sensei’s questioning stares and penetrating glances. His eyes seemed to inquire one question: Where did Takahashi get the katana? Takahashi wouldn’t tell him. Never in a lifetime. Splinter began to teach Takahashi how to wield a katana. They began with basic swings and parries. In the midst of their training, Splinter reached down into Taka’s cloak and grabbed the red bottle. The jounin was too quick for Takahashi. Tossing it to Jackal, who was smirking, Jackal began to study the liquid. Finally, the man looked disgusted.


Jackal: It’s blood from an animal. A rabbit, it seems. Throw it away.

Takahashi: An animal? It can’t be. Whatever, give it back to me.


Regardless of whether or not it was blood, the fact didn’t preturb him. It actually brought him closer to understanding himself, and this strange new jutsu. When he was a child, he had been afraid of blood. He had been quite ashamed of it. Elders around him had told him that the fear shouldn’t be ashamed of. The fifth hokage, after all, was afraid of blood. Takahashi wouldn’t except that as an excuse. He was in Sunagakure, not Konoha. Ever since then, he had an affiliation with blood, as if it were kin. Now, he seemed to grow use to the shedding of blood. Maybe that was the feeling he felt when the foreign blood was traveling through his body.


After Jackal returned the bottle of blood, the real training begun. Time after time, the genin began to swing the katana, aiming for Splinter's Alloy Staff. The metal was surprisingly light and was perfect for drawing blood. As metal clashed against alloy, sparks began to occur. Again, the boy added chakra into his swings, strengthening them like he did with taijutsu. Beginning to attack more severely, sweat consequentially began to form upon his face. The sweating became unstopping soon, the boy's entire body was aching. He couldn't bare it any longer. Finally, though, the sweating halted and Takahashi began to grow accustomed to the hard work. At last, he laid on the floor as Splinter nonchalantly grinned. The red katana fell out of his hand and his consciousness was no more.

[oipotty]

Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Violet


Takahashi counted off the colors of the rainbow that was gleaming in the sky. The boy looked bored. In front of him was the same old masked man. This man was now patronizing him. Taka didn’t like it. This adversary was asking him about his childhood and wondering how he liked the jutsu he was taught, like the Ketsueki Kademono was some kind of christmas present. While the man was boring him, the genin took out a kunai from his inner cloak, trying to conceal it from the man's limited vision under the mask. Sure, the man had taught him a useful technique, but he also tried to kill Taka. That was unforgivable, even if Jackal had said that the stuff in his body was just blood. It was the same substance in the bottle. The suggestion seemed plausible, but...


???: Oh yeah, by the way, that red substance is blood. It is the same thing that I injected into your body through the projectile. Haha, it wasn't poison, just a tool for you to learn a new jutsu, and to get you motivated.


This confirmed Takahashi's questions, but was it believable. Finally, after deep mulling, the genin gave in. Jackal had said it was blood, he had felt the human-blood affiliation, and now this man said it was blood. How could it be anything else? Noticing Takahashi's relenting arguments, the masked man ran over to a little pouch and picked up three bottles. Takahashi looked at them with curiosity. They each had blood in them.


Takahashi: Wait. Before you begin. Give me your name. I don't want to be dealing with a nameless, masked man.

Miroku: Miroku's the name. Howdy. Now, back to topic, here are three bottles. One has rabbit blood in it, which is identical to the half-drunken one that you own. They other two have Mole's Blood in them. Do you know why that when you adapt to the rabbit's blood, you grow stronger legs?


Takahashi shook his head.


Miroku: The answer is simple. Ketsueki Kademono is a jutsu that allows the user to alter his or herself to meet the foreign blood. If you inject rabbit's blood, you'll grow stronger and more powerful legs. The other two bottles are mole's blood. What you'll have to do is change yourself to match the mole's blood. Remember when you adapted to rabbit's blood? You had to alter mainly your feet. This will be completely different.


As Miroku handed Takahashi the three bottles, the genin gripped them tightly, then strapped each onto his belt, except for one of the mole's blood. He held it up to his mouth. Miroku gave the red-eyed boy a quick nod of confirmation and then the boy sipped the red blood. It felt strange. It was definitely different from the rabbit's blood. The boy felt the blood travel through his blood stream, standing out, just like the rabbit's blood did.


Takahashi: (This feels as if I'm learning the jutsu all over again! The mole's blood is completely different from the rabbit's blood. What is this?)


The genin closed his eyes slowly, feeling the mole's blood flow through his body. He tried to adapt to it, but winded up trying to do the same thing as the rabbit's blood. After ten minutes, Takahashi finally realized that he was unconsciously trying to alter his legs, just like he did with the rabbit's blood. This would alter a different part of his body. Which part of his body would it alter? He would try every part. After expending much chakra trying to alter different parts of his body, the boy realized that all he had to do was alter the brain, and it would naturally command each part to change. As he did so, he felt his entire physique changing. His ears were growing more powerful. He was able to feel the earth, as if he were one with the earth!


Miroku: Hey, you're quite good. The user of this ability gains the ability to sense movement from vibrations in the earth as well as very good hearing; however, their eyesight decreases greatly and they can be blinded by bright light if they rely on their eyesight too much.


Takahashi then realized that he couldn't see as well as before and he could barely look at the sun. Suddenly, he felt Miroku move around without him looking up. He could feel Miroku's movements through the earth. This is the power of Ketsueki Kademono.


Takahashi: Where are these abilities coming from? Why am I able to learn these techniques? Are other shinobi able to use the same abilities?

Miroku: No. I have to leave now, but I can answer a few of your questions. Your father was a great man. You may have sparse memories of him. His name was Yuuta. He was a user of blood. He was of the Ketsueki Clan. Don't interrupt me. I am also a user of blood. Because your father was of the Ketsueki Clan, you are of it as well. the abilities I teach you are of the clan. Keep it a secret from your other two sensei. They will teach you important things as well, but this will be your hidden ability. Trust me.

[papfles]

What you’ve learned

Comprehension of the Ketsueki Kademono jutsu
Increase in katana-skill

My CC


Spelling mistakes:

no where => nowhere
skeptism => scepticism
sometimes an “a” is missing
go => got
preturb => perturb
use => used
they => the


Do you know why that when you adapt to the rabbit's blood, you grow stronger legs?


punctuation would facilitate reading here.

”do you know why – when you adapt to the rabbit’s blood – you grow stronger legs”

or an inversed word order


It was a very decent read (as Bart already stated)-- quite different from the "I learn 485 jutsus and increases in 3 posts"-method you used before -- , although I’m surprised at the multitude of shorter sentences (the English language is pretty much perfect for longer sentences). Your character now knows about this jutsu, but I’m guessing he can’t just pop in some blood and have the effects instantly?

All in all, keep up the pleasant read.

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9569/norrisapprovedxq5.jpg

[oipotty]

Chapter III: The Next Step


Splinter: Hahahaha! 50 bucks? Is that all you got? You must have sucked… you didn’t even get a little bonus. What did you do, piss off your client?

Takahashi: ….

Splinter: I knew it! I did that once on my first mission. It turned out that I got home to Sunagakure, and got $0!


It didn’t really make Takahashi feel much better, but it did encourage him to do better in the next mission. To think such a powerful jounin like Splinter once started out as a failing genin! He would meet loss with motivation. Smiling at Splinter, Takahashi got in a stance. Splinter, acknowledging the beginning of training, also got in a stance. Without a word, they began exchanging blows. Tapping chakra into his limbs, the limber genin dodged and attacked. Repeatedly, his attacks were parried and his defense was penetrated; the jounin was still too power. Of course, it was expected of a jounin and taijutsu specialist; he would never beat Splinter at his current level.


A grueling hour past and the genin was starting to get warmed up, just as the morning sun began to blaze with heat. They stopped quickly for a drink of water, then resumed training. This time, Splinter took Takahashi to a river. The murky water had no bottom. Silhouettes of fish were squirming in the water and Takahashi followed them with his eyes. They darted back and forth, sometimes splashing the water. Splinter let the genin gaze for a little bit, then woke the boy from his daze. Takahashi, startled, glanced at Splinter but the old jounin was no longer next to him.


Splinter: Yo, Taka! Over here!


There, Splinter was, his green robes afire in the burning sun, standing in the middle of the lake... on top of the water! Takahashi had heard of shinobi who could do this, but it was just stories that children murmur to each other. The boy had never experienced the vision of a man on top of the surface of water! Takahashi suddenly had an urge to jump off after Splinter, romping on the surface of the water. His personality said otherwise. The quiet boy just gazed, in awe, at the jounin.


Splinter: Don't ya wanna come?

Takahashi: Yes, but how?

Splinter: Now, wouldn't you want to know. Try it. Let me give you a hint: chakra.


Takahashi tentatively took a step onto the water. He remembered his extremely tiring vertical-climbing exercise. Shuddering, the boy remembered how he had to put the right amount of chakra into his foot. Then, he would literally cling onto the wall or tree. How would he do it here? How would the genin walk on a non-solid? He already knew it had to do with chakra. Maybe, he could apply chakra into the water, to make it ice! That would make it solid. Taking a more confident step onto the water, the boy happily leaned all of his body weight onto the water. Chakra flowed from his feet into the water. He tried to make the water ice; it failed. His foot got drenched in water and Takahashi let loose a yelp. The rest of his body lost balance and with a large splash, he tumbled into the water.


The beginning of water-walking training had begun.

[oipotty]

Takahashi watched, pissed off, as Splinter rolled back and forth laughing. It wasn't the fact that he was laughing that pissed the genin off, but the fact that he was rolling... on the water! Why couldn't Takahashi get on the water. He already knew what was coming. Great, another long training session. Splinter began to walk towards him, still grinning quite annoyingly. Disappearing, he reappeared behind the genin. It was the next day. Ever since the previous day, Takahashi had been trying to turn the water into ice. Now, Splinter finally understood what the boy was trying to accomplish.



Splinter: Classic! You thought I meant for you to turn the water into ice? Ha! You've got a lot to learn...


Whirling around, Takahashi looked on indignantly, as if he was blaming Splinter for his failure. He gripped his katana toughly on the hilt and sweat formed on his forehead. He wasn't going to fail in everything!


Takahashi: What's wrong with that?

Splinter: Why do you look so surprised? Did you really think you could get it done in one shot? Life ain't that easy. Look, forget the entire ice crap. It's not gunna work. Just try applying chakra into your feet. Chakra is a wondrous thing. If you add the right amount to your feet, your feet will be able to stand on liquids. Now, this all falls under the category of chakra control. What does that mean? It means you gotta find the right amounts of chakra and control it. Channel in through the soles of your feet. Until you master that, you're going to have to take a lotta baths in this lake.



Grimacing at the horrid conditions of the murky lake, the boy stood resolute at the bank of the river. Dirt sprayed everywhere as Splinter sped towards the center of the lake again. Spitting into the water, Takahashi closed his eyes. He let all thoughts escape his mind. His thoughts on failure, victory, win, loss, money, and even girls completely vanish. His entire concentration was on chakra. In order for control to come, first, absolute concentration must be attained. He remembered his leaf concentration training. Now, the red-eyed boy finally understood what the exercise was for. Concentration. Chakra began to flow from his feet. Chakra formed between his feet and the water as the boy placed his foot upon the liquid. Then, he began taking slow steps towards the center of the lake. Then, it hit him! He was standing on water! Opening his eyes, the boy yelled with delight. Suddenly, coldness engulfed him. He sunk into the lake. The joy left his eyes and turned into distraught. He was back in the water. He had lost his concentration.



Splinter: Hey! Not bad. This time, don't jump up and down for joy. You haven't even made it halfway to me yet.

Takahashi: (Yeah, yeah. Shut up.)



He would try again. Again, conducting the same concentration process, the boy stepped onto the cool water. Then, he took confident steps towards Splinter. Eyeing the lazy jounin, he set him as a goal. Until he reached Splinter, the genin wouldn't rest. Soon, the boy was at halfway point. The genin concealed his excitement and rising nervousness under a mask of concentration. The mask blotted out any idea of success so that if he fell, he wouldn't be disappointed. Taking more steps, the genin finally was close to Splinter, whose eyes were intent on Takahashi. Soon, the boy began to loose balance. Wobbling on the water, his entire body began shaking. Suddenly, large and powerful hands grasped his shoulders. Splinter! With renewed confidence, his entire body stopped swaying and Splinter let go. Quickly, the boy made it to the center of the lake where Splinter carried him back to the shore.


Takahashi: I did it.


Absolute joy filled the boy's body. It was the culmination and reward of hardwork.

[oipotty]

Storyline Mission I - The Darkest Hour


Takahashi couldn't wait! The boy was invited to a party with a couple of his fellow previous academy students. Jumping up and down on his bed, the boy got dressed into something relatively nice and strapped on his katana. Even though he was going to a party, the boy still packed his projectile and equipments... mostly for the looks. He slipped into his long, drooping robe and was off on his merry way. Reminiscing on the genin's good luck, Takahashi smiled dreamily. He remembered what had happened in the earlier hours of the day. The boy was out training, practicing his newly learned water-walking techniques when he decided to go home early. It was about noon and the sun shone down hotly on the top of his head, sweat beading down his cheeks. When he finally reached his apartment building, he found a card signed with the name of Ray Iwazumi. Scampering to open it up, the boy found himself face to an invitation letter! The card invited him to a party with more of his academy student friends!



Well, the truth was that Takahashi didn't have many pleasant memories with Iwazumi. All he knew was the last time they saw each other, their meeting ended on a good note. A shinobi's life, in Takahashi's opinion, should be fun! A shinobi should socialize and complete missions and shinobi's duty at the same time. This was a perfect opportunity to socialize. The party would be held at the Konoha Warehouses, a quite strange place for a party. They would have to really clean that place up. Now, Takahashi remembered some of the darker moments of Ray and Takahashi's relationship.






-- 3 Months Ago --


Academy Instructor: Hey, kids. Stop fighting. Both of you will make it to genin level! Just relax and you'll both pass the test.

Ray: What are you smokin? This kid'll never pass! I'm the only one who will make it to genin level!

Takahashi: Are you kiddin me? I'm gunna pass too!



The three were standing in a long corridor outside a dark, curtain-draped room. They were waiting to enter in order to take the genin exams. Both of the two academy students were shaking with excitement. They were rivals and friends, both were confident that he would pass and the other would fail. As the two were bickering, the chuunin instructor reprimanded them to no avail. The three were making so much noise, an older jounin had to pop his head out of the door and cast a menacing look. The chuunin immediately snapped into position and when the head was back in the door, began quivering with anger. The noise quieted, but the animosity remained.



-- One Hour Later --


Ray: What the $%@#? How did I not pass? And you passed!? This is crazy!

Takahashi: What were you saying an hour ago?

Ray: Oh shut up! I swear, I'll get you back someday.


Now, Ray was still an Academy Student. The last time they saw each other was just a month ago. There, Ray apologized and said he was sorry. Takahashi graciously and heartily accepted the apology and now they were going to see each other again. He was curious at what would happen. The boy strolled down a dark Konoha street, making his way to the Konoha Warehouses where the party was to be held. Above, thunderclouds began to gather and the humidity began to rise. Something was in the brooding.

[oipotty]

It was six o'clock and Takahashi didn't want to be late. His pace quickened as did his heart. The storm clouds overhead threatened him like menacing facing, glimmering down on the lone shinobi with rage and terror. Soon, the rain would come. The darkness of the clouds left no room for light. Suddenly, his face was illuminated by a horrific streak of lightning, showing his every feature on his face for just a split second in the darkness that was the night. Powerful gusts of wind came, blowing up leaves and swaying the trees. Poorly built houses seemed to sway in the wind. Suddenly, a deafening crackle came from the heavens; Takahashi couldn't hear the rain anymore. More lightning flew from the sky like a thousand kunai. The thunder blotted out and noise. His moderate pace transformed into a run. He began sprinting almost mindlessly down the winding streets. Then, he came to a stop in front of an old house and looked up at the sky. The swirling heavens were storming down upon the earth with deathly gusts of wind, devastating lightning bolts, and deafening cries of thunder.



Takahashi began to pant as he watched the eerie weather. It had seemed almost all of a sudden. One moment he was walking peacefully down a little street in Konoha and suddenly, the storm brewed and struck. It was like an unseen assailant who came, struck, then died back down. The storm had indeed calmed and the cries of thunder began to relent. Then, like a flower blooming back from a bud, the noises of rain pattering on the ground could be heard again. Takahashi looked around and suddenly, a hand grasped his shoulder.



Ray: Having fun?

Takahashi: Oh, it's you. Where's the party?



Looking around at his surroundings, he saw nothing but empty surroundings. Ray just smiled and darted away, motioning for Takahashi to follow. Takahashi eagerly sprinted, excited, after the academy student. Although Ray was an academy student, he, in Takahashi's mind, represented the darker side of Konoha. He wasn't sure, but he had a feeling that was the case. The boy acted as if he was superior to others and enjoyed talking in a foreboding manner, quite contrasting to the stereotypical academy student. A normal academy student would spend his or her time jumping around and screwing things up. Ray was like Takahashi: somewhat aloof and quiet, but always thinking. They now arrived at a dark alleyway where more shapes.



???: Sup man.

???: Long time no see.

???: Haha... you're finally here!



Staring in awe, Takahashi squinted his eyes and said with confusion and glee...



Takahashi: Izawa, Senshi, Tenjo!

[oipotty]

Ray: Alright, we're all here. We all know each other, and we all know the plan... except for you, Taka.



Takahashi looked questioning at the four standing in front of him. Izawa, Tenjo, and Senshi were all in his academy class. They had all failed the exams. Takahashi was utterly dumbfounded. Where was the party? Where were the nicely dressed people and the blasting music. Where were the exotic foods and fancy silverware? Shrugging off the burden of doubt, Takahashi looked on at Ray questioningly. Maybe there was a misunderstanding. He would give Ray a chance.



Ray: We're all fellow shinobi in this world. We all have a common goal. Taka, let's see what you've learned as a genin...

Takahashi: What? Wait a moment...

Ray: Not a chance.



With a flurry of movements, Ray was speeding towards Takahashi his fist raised. Takahashi was prepared and he immediately reacted. The boy spun and flipped over Ray lashing out with a kunai. Suddenly and surprisingly, his adversary continued running, run onto the wall, performing a perfect backflip. Taken aback, Takahashi smiled. It seemed like Ray had done some serious training since the last time they met. However, it wasn't enough to match the genin's current abilities. Ray, after completing the full backflip, charged at the boy with a kunai in hand. Dodging out of the way, the red-eyed genin sped behind Ray, landing a karate chop at the rib cage while speeding past. Ray crumpled onto the floor, panting.



Takahashi smiled as Ray pointlessly tried to stand up. After a few moments, Takahashi's adversary got to his feet and got ready again. Glaring most viciously at Taka, Ray opened his pouch and unveiled a stack of explosive tags. Smiling, Ray began reaching for one when the genin shouted out to Ray.



Takahashi: I wouldn't do that if I were you.



Tilting his head, Ray lookeed at Takahashi questioningly. His silver-colored eyes reached the genin's red ones. Behind Ray, the three other academy students tensed up. Malevolence and anger shone in their faces. Resentment was almost tangible in this dark and eerie night.



Takahashi: Look at your waist.



There, on the student's waist was an explosive tag, planted by Takahashi when he had aimed the karate chop. Immediately, the resentful student froze in his tracks. He was smart enough to drop his weapons and give up. Suddenly and most unexpectantly, Ray dropped his serious look and broke out in a smile. His white teeth sparkled and the adversary heartedly put out a hand, while stripping the tag off with the other. Behind him, the three crownies began laughing. Confounded, the genin also put away his weapons and looked at them. Was this a trap? Were they trying to lure him into something?



Ray: Alright. You win. Sorry about that. I had to get the last of my anger out. Now, let's put it all behind us. We can be friends and rivals though.

Takahashi: Sure thing. So, where's the party.

Ray: Look here. Meet us here at this spot in exactly two weeks from now. Can you do that?

Takahashi: Sure thing. See ya then.

Ray: Ha! Oh yeah, by then, we'll be genin level.



Then, turning around, the boy trotted back to his apartment building. His mind was full of questions and he clutched his white cloak tightly. He would come, but he also wouldn't come unprepared. He trusted Ray because of their long rivalry and friendship. Some moments in their relationship, however, were questionable. Takahashi didn't know what to expect. He resolved to not speak to anyone of this matter. It would be best to keep it a secret. After all, this was private business. Maybe Ray wanted another battle after he became a genin? Who would know? Definitely not Taka.

[oipotty]

The mission was over, but it left him with endless questions that seemed to have no answer. Takahashi, after turning Ray into the Kazekage, also told the Kazekage of his suspicions. He, Tenjo, Senshi, and Izawa were old friends, but their friendship wouldn't get in the way of his loyalty to Sunagakure. It was midnight. The moon cast silver rays of light across the desert village. The lights rebounded from window to window, house to house… everywhere… it illuminated Suna with a eerie glow.



The young genin tossed and turned in his four-post bed, unable to get to sleep. After another hour of this, he slipped on his long black cloak and tiptoed outside. Breathing in the cool brisk air, the boy in his scanty clothing ran down the street. He knew where to go… the warehouses. The real mission was to find our where Tenjo, Senshi, and Izawa were and what their motives were as well. He traveled to the warehouses.



The murky area of the warehouses was desolate. There was no one there. Takahashi searched all over to no avail. Sighing he departed. Hanging his head, the boy traversed through the dark alleyways, winding his way back to his dirty apartment home. Suddenly, he heard sobbing noises, that of a woman. As he came closer to the noises, a familiar voice rang out through the dark alleyways. Astonished, Takahashi jumped a little, recognizing the woman. She was none other than Senshi’s Mother!



Senshi’s Mother: Takahashi, is that you? It’s horrible, have you heard? I can’t believe my own son would do that.



Takahashi had a sinking feeling in his stomach as he predicted what would happen next. He would just go with the flow and not blurt anything out too early.



Takahashi: What happened?


Senshi’s Mother: Senshi has been arrested by the Sunagakure Police! They said that he was plotting to steal the ancient Sunagakure Sword! IT turns out that he was assigned a mission to protect it but ended up being an accomplice!


Takahashi: How did the police figure it out?


Senshi’s Mother: Oh, I don’t know. They said they had ANBU members around during the entirety of the mission.



That explained the man in the cloak and everything! Well, all the mysteries were solved and Takahashi traveled back to his murky apartment room, putting Ray, Senshi, Izawa, and Tenjo behind him and preparing for a new start. Maybe some more training?

[Viseres]

While there was a decent amount of storyline usage, there was little to no char growth in this. Even still, I'm awarding you 1 xp for the training.

With my suggestion to kumo is also mine to you, after posting wait and hour and re-read the post to watch for grammar errors and mistakes

[oipotty]

Chapter IV: A Mission but No Pay



Splinter: So, what did you think of the mission. You felt pretty special, didn’t you.


Takahashi: Huh? Why would I have felt special? I was stuck with a fat guy all day.



Takahashi shrugged a little and nonchalantly tapped his foot on the ground methodically. Splinter’s eyes widened and his he hair bristled. Takahashi, sensing something wrong, looked up questioningly. He could tell Splinter was trying to control himself. Disbelief almost to the point of anger was growing and the old jounin sensei suddenly snapped up.



Splinter: You mean you’ve never heard of Kantaro?


Takahashi: No, why?


Splinter: His nickname is the Golden Artist. He’s a jounin of Sunagakure and a leader of an ANBU unit. He works with genjutsu and is known for his speed and intelligence. One of the finest shinobi Sunagakure has every had.


Takahashi: Fast? What the hell are you talking about. I must have worked with a different Kantaro.



Suddenly, wind swirled from the sky. Splinter casually looked up and squinted. The sun was blotted out by something black. A cloak swirled in the air flying casually down from the sky. Curious, Takahashi jumped up to grab it. Suddenly, in place of the cloak, a black-masked man appeared….



Splinter: A substitution!!! Watch out!



Takahashi was grabbed with two cold hands and was knocked out. The last thing he saw was a grinning face of Ketsueki Miroku, the man who had trained him many times before. Miroku’s grin faded when he saw Splinter following behind him. Shaking his head, he cut his arm and blood spilled on one of the tree trunks. Speeding away, Splinter followed intently. Suddenly, when the Suna jounin hopped on the blood-spilled branch, his legs were engulfed in a blood trap.



Miroku: That’s the power of the Ketsueki Clan.



The blood trap didn’t do any damage but gave Miroku enough time to escape, leaving Splinter cursing at him from behind, unable to untangle himself from the scabbed up blood. In a last effort, the jounin fired seven kunai at him. Surprisingly, they came at intense speed and almost stabbed into Miroku’s back. However, seven kunai weren’t going to stop him. Suddenly, the man formed a kage bunshin behind him and that kage bunshin took the damage, dispersing with a distinctive ‘poof’.



Miroku: Heh, those silly Sunagakure Jounin. Sticking their noses where they don't belong.

[oipotty]

Takahashi quickly opened his eyes, shaking his head quickly. Looking around, he saw himself in a little hut right on the banks of a river. The rapid water crashed against the rocks time after time, filling the hut with the sounds of water. With his head in a lax position and his feet crossed, Miroku sat in a very comfortable looking armchair tossing wood to a sizzling fire. A hanging kettle rocked back and forth on a string, warming itself with the warmth of the fire. The boy shot up out of bed and out of anger unleashed a single kunai at Miroku. The man flicked it away with two fingers easily. Frustrated Takahashi climbed back in bed, grumbling to himself.

Miroku: You wouldn’t kill me if you had the chance, would you?

Takahashi: After what you did to me, I probably would.

Miroku; You knew I was looking, you would never have done that otherwise.

Takahashi knew it was true and just rolled over in the bed. He katana rested on a little night-stand by the fireplace. The boy rolled his eyes after lying in bed for five more minutes and hopped up reaching for his katana. Grabbing it, he was about to leave when he heard a shrill laughter coming from behind him. Whirling around, he saw Miroku eating ramen and snorting at the same time. Infuriated, the boy slammed his katana on the ground and was about to start yelling when Miroku’s soothing voice rang out.

Miroku: Where are you going?

Takahashi: Back to Sunagakure, of course!

Miroku: Alright, good luck.

Leaning backwards again, Miroku sighed happily. Takahashi looked outside and he saw a completely unfamiliar environment. Sighing, the genin knew Miroku had won. Picking up his katana, the boy walked to the bed and plopped himself down. He wrapped himself with some warm blankets and crossed his legs and folding his arms. He stared at Miroku trying to get his attention. The senior Ketsueki Member pretended not to notice. However, he couldn’t pretend for long.

Miroku: Finally made yourself comfortable?

Takahashi: Just tell me why I’m here.

Miroku: Alright, you’re on a mission. I’m recruiting you to do this for me. There’s a group of leeches just north of here. They’re drinking from my blood fountain. Make sure you find the group of leeches and exterminate them. Careful, they suck.

[oipotty]

『Mission Begin』

Takahashi knew this wasn't going to be an easy mission. In fact, it would be one of the most exciting missions the boy had gone through in a long time. Sure, picking up trash and being some fat guy's assistant was... interesting... but it lacked the real, healthy, pleasure that a genin like him should be feeling. Takahashi had some gruesome memories involving leaches, many of them involving his own father's abilities. It wasn't until recently where he had discovered that his father was of the Ketsueki Clan and one of the Ketsueki's summons are the leech. In fact, his father always used leeches in battle and in jutsu. Leeches were closer to him then... hell, his own son! They were slugs, bloody creatures. Takahashi flinched every time he thought of those ugly animals. He wondered why god had bothered to make them.... did they serve any purpose on the earth? Well, this was a lesson that one would never forget: the lesson of how little creatures, can have such a large effect.

This way of thinking could be something associated with, "strength in numbers". Takahashi enjoyed thinking of the Aburame Clan, a clan that specialized in bugs. One bug has such a menial effect on the battle, but together, the kikai can have a massively detrimental effect on the battles at hand. Takahashi would have to keep this in mind; he couldn't underestimate creatures like leaches. The creepy and crawly animals would stop at nothing to suck blood, and humans were a container of warm, delicious blood. He would have to be extremely careful when dealing with these... the key was to never underestimate.

The sun overhead was so bright, that it made Takahashi flinch. The yellow light almost turned red in the coming dusk and the boy knew he would have to sleep somewhere and stay for the night. The genin barely moved a muscle as he approached the Ketsueki Clan Mansion. It was an extremely large house, but wasn't extravagant. However, it wasn't dilapidated either... it was somewhere in between those two extremities. Takahashi knew that this was where he belonged... this was where his father had lived for so many years. The boy moved quicker and quicker, the mansion looming overhead. It was intimidating and the boy faltered a little. Finally, he reached the gigantic iron doors that was the only thing that stood between him and the mission. A sense of curiosity filled Takahashi and he wanted to explore... Giving in, he chose not to knock and climbed up the side of the house. He climbed all the way up to a high-up window and found the window unlocked. Surprised, he slid in and shut the window tightly behind him.

The genin tried to tiptoe, but even the slightest noise would echo through the entire building so he gave up his incognito attitude and walked normally down the hall, each step bringing him closer to another large door. The door was engraved with bronze letters that read, "Ketsueki Room". He knew that meant, the Blood Room. The boy had gotten used to blood by now, as he used blood in one of his jutsu, but still got a chill down his spine and a nervous feeling when he saw something like this. He had to get used to it... shivering every time the name was mentioned just wasn't right. Takahashi remembered in the earlier years of his life, he was actually scared of blood. It had to be disgraceful considering he was of the Ketsueki. It was disgraceful and he disliked the idea of this. Luckily, he had been forced to get over it by several climatical and exciting events. It involved blood water... The boy shuddered and walked to the door.

With a quick motion, he opened it and walked in without the slightest hesitation. He was rewarded with a hearty pat on the back and a laugh from the back of the room. He was standing in the Blood Room where several Ketsueki Clan Elders were sitting and talking with one another. Among them was Miroku who pretended he knew nothing of Takahashi. At the head of the table was a man who seemed pretty sure of himself. The man had brown hair and blue eyes, wore a traditional Ketsueki-Cloak, but his had golden engravings on it. He was evidentially the leader and wasted no time in joking around with the other "elders". Several other members of the clan, seemingly genin like himself and some chuunin were sitting at the back of the room, behind the row of elders, romping and having fun.

Ahem.

Immediately, the room became silent. The genin and chuunin rushed to brush their hair, flatten out their wrinkled robes, and make themselves look presentable. The elders straightened in their seats and shifted their chairs to make themselves look orderly. Takahashi wondered who had made the sound... it was the man... the leader! Takahashi felt uncomfortable now in a room with such orderly people. The leader brushed his hand through his rough brown hair and flashed his eyes at the people sitting around him. Then, with a quick movement, smiled a wide and toothy smile, exterminating the tension in all of their chests. His hands rose quickly to the tabletop and he focused his attention on Takahashi.

Ketsueki Leader: You've come, Takahashi. Long time no see... I see Miroku has been taking good care of you.

Without looking at Takahashi, Miroku tipped his head to the leader who tipped his head back. The boy rose his eyebrows but said nothing.

Ketsueki Leader: My name is Ketsueki Sengoku, leader of this clan. It is quite unfortunate, but we have a problem. The blood supply in our blood rooms are being sucked away by leeches who have escaped the summoning room. Therefore, we need your help. We couldn't request help from Konoha or else they would send some random genin... We hope that during your stay, you'll familiarize yourself with the clan, and its customs.

[oipotty]

Familiarize? That sounded a little shaky to Takahashi and he tried to look down a little when Sengoku was talking about that. It still boggled him that he had snuck in through a window and was treated like he was expected. Truthfully, he expected to be reprimanded for not knocking, or at least questioned, but Sengoku didn't even wonder, nor did any of the other members of the Ketsueki Clan's Elders. They sat, discussing with each other some details about the forthcoming mission. Takahashi stood there, in front of the long table, quite nervous. Some of the genin and chuunin winked to him or gave him a thumbs up. Why were they all here anyway, what purpose did they serve in this anyways? Suddenly, the words of Sengoku rang, quite unwelcome, through his mind. He remembered the leader of the Ketsueki Clan said to familiarize himself with the customs. Although he didn't particularly like strict customs, he might as well learn them because they would most definitely prove useful some time or another.

Sengoku was now arguing with one of the other elders. Maybe "arguing" was an exaggeration since the only thing that proved it was an argument was the furrowing of facial features and grimness in expression. Takahashi, with nothing better to do, tapped his foot on the ground rapidly several times impatiently and eyed the elders. None of them paid any attention to him but Miroku once looked up at him and quickly looked back down, as if trying to avoid him. Suddenly, fury welded up inside the boy's body and his face started turning hot. The fury boiled up inside his body like a cooking pot, scorching everything.

Takahashi: (The man had dragged me all the way here and I am recruited to do some chore for them! The worst is... he's ignoring me! What the hell? Could he at least explain what's going on?)

Takahashi knew not what to do, so decided to take a seat. He sighed a little, gaining the attention of several genin and chuunin and pulled up a seat for himself. Suddenly, he heard hisses and he saw the genins look in shock and the chuunins wagging reprimanding fingers. Then, he looked around and saw the table filled with elders looking at him with a disgruntled look upon their faces. Sengoku tried to ease the crowd and tried to be reasonable but they continued to glare. It wasn't until then when Miroku actually looked at him, pointing to the chair. Takahashi realized what they wanted and quickly folded back the chair and placed it against the wall, where he had found it. Suddenly, the tension of the room dropped very quickly and it reminded the boy of a two-year-old's mood swings. They were all back to business, talking, discussing, and what-not.

After several more minutes of foot-tapping and quiet conversations, eager muttering and impatient glares, Sengoku was ready and had compiled a sheet of paper from a bunch of stick-notes and gave it to Sengoku. The boy read though it and was mildly surprised. Sengoku was now the one who was tapping his foot and giving impatient glances at Takahashi for now, he was the one waiting. He was guilty of feeling satisfaction in seeing the man suffer inwardly. The boy scanned his assignment and shrugged. What kind of reaction did the Ketsueki Clan Leader want? Surprise... definitely not, Amusement.. there was nothing funny, Pain... that was probably the most likely reaction in Takahashi's case.

Equivalent of a C-Ranked Mission
Your mission is to exterminate the leeches that have recently escaped the summoning room, due to a misuse of jutsu. You are to lure the leeches into one spot and gather them into one large bag before they drain all of the blood. Do this as quickly as possible and as neatly as possible. Then, deliver the bag to the Summoning Room on the fourth floor.
Thank You


It was nothing new, but now it was official, so to speak. Takahashi wondered just one thing, however. Why would he need to lure all of the leeches into one place? Wouldn't they all be in the blood room or whatever, sucking up the blood? Takahashi felt a little uncomfortable voicing this thought, but then conquered his and turned to Sengoku who looked back at him with eagerness... he hoped his question wouldn't live down to Sengoku's expectations. Clearing his throat, and straightening his shirt, the boy gathered all of the self-confidence that was stored in his body and spoke loudly and clearly so that all could hear. The genin and chuunin and the elders all became quiet suddenly and he began to speak.

Takahashi: Well, I was just wondering... Why would I need to lure them all into one place if they are all in the Blood Room?Wouldn't they already be in one place?

A snicker went through the room, not only by the genin and chuunin, but by some of the elders also, including Miroku. Sengoku looked mildly amused and got up. Takahashi felt a feeling of dread run through his body. Sengoku flicked his fingers at Miroku and the man got up, his eyes telling Sengoku to follow him. The strange mentor, Miroku, led him to a door in which he opened. Suddenly, he saw a massive room, larger than his imagination could ever come up of. There were at least one-hundred large pots, each containing specialized blood. Takahashi shook his head, completely dumbfounded and befuddled. Then, he felt like laughing at himself.

Sengoku: Does that answer your quesiton?

Takahashi: Yes.

He bobbed his head up and down like an idiot.

[oipotty]

W h e n something fair enough crosses paths with you, you should be compelled to keep it by your side at all times, right? But what if this very thing is the source of your hindrance and the utter motive to not act carelessly? What then, should you discard the item or just keep up with it? The thought was something he had thought about for quite some time, and I'm glad to say that a conclusion was finally made from all the damn conjecture. Just looking at the lot in front of him made the malevolent male frown in distaste at what they composed. A team? Screw that bullshit; this was no team. This was never a team in the first place, just a bunch of completely irrelevant individuals packed together to produce the concept of teamwork. Now, teamwork was a different story, but not a completely irrelevant one.

However, there was a greater concept, a more difficult one to answer. Why was he even thinking and mulling over this in the first place. He was there, sitting on a barrel of blood, raving mentally about teams and teamwork. Could it be loneliness? He had only once carried out a mission with a team, and it didn’t turn out very well. In fact, the mission involved some sword stuck in a body that was projecting the illusion of a dragon’s head. Alas, that was all the past, but the painful experience still stung him like a mosquito… or bee. The other missions, or should he call them tortures, were all personalized by the lovely Kazekage himself. Takahashi was first stuck being a garbage boy and clown at the same time. Party-goers just nonchalantly dumping garbage out of windows, expecting him to sort them out and pick them up! The second one wasn’t any better, because he was stuck with a fat artist who was trying to paint THE CEILING!

Shaking his head, he looked around the quite barren room. Not even a single mouse was present… but there was sure as hell a lot of leeches. Those disgusting white creatures moved from one barrel to another, sucking some of the barrels dry. Takahashi saw the pile of empty barrels and thought they had taken a lot until Miroku showed him the real size of the room. It was true, they only took, ehh, five percent of the blood in the building which wasn’t too bad. If it was any worse, they wouldn’t have waited for Takahashi to come and clean up, they would do it themselves. That led Takahashi to another question. Why had they called him? He was definitely not the most skilled genin in cleaning up and was also not the most enthusiastic. Sure, he was from the Ketsueki, but what did that have to do with anything? Maybe they planned on accepting him, officially, into the clan.

The boy wouldn’t know if they did that. He didn’t have a real home right now, but he kind of liked it living in the city of Sunagakure; every morning, waking up to the noise of the city and stretching, jumping out of the window, and therefore beginning his day’s adventures. However, there were also some advantages to coming here. The serenity and rural feeling of the Ketsueki Mansion felt welcoming, hospitable. The mansion seemed a little out of place in the tranquil forest surrounding it. Here, there were many, many people roaming around the mansion; then, stepping outside, immediately one is exposed to the wildlife and forest. It was like one living entity growing and thriving around you. I guess it comes down to urban, or rural. Takahashi knew he didn’t have to decide now; there was a chance that they might not even want him after the day’s drama had ended.

Miroku had left, leaving him by himself in the room. This wasn’t really what he called familiarizing himself with the Ketsueki Clan. He would love to have some company, maybe a little help. The crimson-eyed boy got off his ass and strode down the forgotten barrels of blood. There was a huge section that was untouched by the leeches, but the section closest to the door was devastated, like a city that had just burned down. The barrels were everywhere; blood was splattered across the ground and the walls. Takahashi raised an eyebrow and looked around curiously. It definitely looked like there was a battle that had taken place in here… and recently too. The blood was fresh and it produced a most nose-cringing odor. Indeed, the black-haired genin’s nose cringed and wrinkled until they couldn’t be scrunched up and more and he had to resort to fanning himself with his hand, in desperate attempts to wave away the smell.

[oipotty]

Now, it was time to think strategy. The leeches were spread all over the room, and there was blood everywhere. Takahashi looked around and saw the barrels. Maybe he could lure them… what did leeches like other than blood? Takahashi thought about this for so long, that his mind ached. He came out of his deep thinking session with absolutely nothing. He had thought of “leech-food” and… “blood”. Oh yeah, blood didn’t count and leech-food was absolute bull-shit. Takahashi knew that, and he also knew that if he didn’t pull himself together, trouble would come. Meaning, Miroku and Sengoku had to get involved. He could just imagine himself confessing that he had no idea in hell what to do. They would literally gag at him and send him out of the mansion, calling him a disgrace. Miroku would regret ever teaching him the jutsus and he would basically be screwed. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that it wasn’t a viable option.

Suddenly, a knock came at the door. Not knowing what to expect, Takahashi opened it slightly, peeking out of the door. He saw a boy, maybe one or two years younger than himself… most likely a genin. Takahashi opened the door wider and smiled a little questioningly. The boy didn’t move and stared blankly at Takahashi. Wondering what was happening, he looked around and realized that his body was actually in an awkward position. It looked as if he was either, one, blocking the boy from coming in, or two, trying to block the boy’s vision… oh yeah, there is a three: both. Takahashi scratched his head a grinned a little, the boy didn’t find it amusing. Shaking his head, the red-eyed genin put on a serious face. If this kid was going to be serious with him, why shouldn’t he be serious back? He moved out of the way and the boy walked in, as if he owned the place.

The boy made himself comfortable on one of the barrows, moving his behind so that it fit perfectly on the flat surface of the barrel. Then, with a smile, he looked expectantly at Takahashi. The boy inwardly groaned… more customs? What was he supposed to say? This kid was the one who just barged in here, acting like he was hot stuff. Takahasih sighed… he had no idea what to do. Takahashi raised a finger slowly as if to say something that shamefully put it back down. He saw the other boy roll his eyes, or do some kind of sarcastic movement with his eyes. Takahashi was getting quite annoyed and confused. Was he waiting for a cue or something? The boy didn’t know but he sure as hell wasn’t going to try to figure it out. This was the kid who thought he was all that anyways.

Takahashi: So?

So. It was a pretty kind word to say to a random boy who had interrupted his work, if you could call it that. The boy looked at him like he was a retard and in the back of his mind, someone was telling him that he deserved it. So? Was that all he had to offer to a fellow member of the Ketsueki Clan? Now he made it sound like he was waiting for something when obviously the boy looked like he was waiting for something. So they were both waiting for each other to make a move and Takahashi just blurted out… SO? Now, the kid was wondering what kind of retard he was. Takahashi wondered why custom he was supposed to be following and what he didn’t understand. IT had to be that he was the stupid one, right? I mean, from the way the other was looking at him that had to be the case. If it wasn’t then god almighty should smite him dead right here and now.

Suddenly, the other sighed a huge sigh and shook his head, seemingly disappointed.

Kid: So, you’re the on they were all talking about?

God should smite him dead, for sure. Someone was talking about him? This kid had just come to observe what the rest of the kids were talking about? This, although Takahashi would never confess it, sent a prideful feeling down his back. How had these kids heard of him? Maybe Miroku had told them or they had just heard news from the elders that another genin was coming to fix up the blood room. Now, this genin was here trying to clarify all of the questions and such. He shrugged a little and got rid of all of his animosity to this strange boy. People were talking about him… for once in his life. Takahashi laughed a little and tried to put on a “cool” look in front of the kid, almost a superior look, belittling. He sat up at full height and looked down upon the kid, his lips tugging upwards into a grin allowing an inkling of tooth show underneath his thick lips.

Takahashi: Yup… my name is Takahashi. What’s your name?

The other looked at him a little, intimidated. He realized he might have been overly pretentious in his pompous attitude and loosened up, grinning and trying to ease the tension going around the room. He slouched a little and relaxed his muscles, putting himself at ease. Consequentially, the kid put himself at ease as well, obviously much more comfortable when Takahashi was in his usual, lax position. The boy took out a scroll, much like the one that Takahashi received from Sengoku. On it, was the result of compiling many of the sticky-notes from the rest of the council members. However, there was one thing different. On his, there was a red X going through the paper and underneath, there were the words, “Disbanded”. This meant one thing: the mission was a failure. The kid looked down a little.

Zep: Yeah, my name is Ketsueki Zep and I too received my first mission a few months back. Well, it was a failure. As you can see, it involved cleaning up just a little area of the mansion but I failed that! What a disgrace.

Takahashi: How do you fail something like that?

Zep shot him a dirty glance and Takahashi cowered a little. He didn’t mean to say it nastily like that. In fact, he almost knew how it felt to fail a mission, or a least to be discontent with a mission. When one picks up a mission scroll, a sense of eagerness and enthusiastic vibe runs throughout ones body. The familiar feeling was welcome in Takahashi’s body. Now, one arrives at the site of the mission and works ones ass off doing the requirements of the mission. If one fails at the end, it is a horrible feeling. Takahashi imagined himself failing this mission and shuddered. He look back at Zep, this time apologetically. Seemingly, the boy accepted the apology because he got rid of the dirty look and pretended like nothing happened. Takahashi was glad that Zep had made that choice and his red eyes closed quietly in thankfulness. However, it wasn’t the time to be thankful yet…

Takahashi: Yeah, I didn’t mean it like that… sorry.

Zep looked down a little and smiled quite a melancholy smile, toothy, and watery.

Zep: Its ok, I just can’t get over it. Well, I came to see what the rest of the clan was talking about. They said some snotty boy who didn’t’ know his manners had entered the Ketsueki Clan. You don’t seem as bad as they say, so I’ll leave now. I showed you the scroll because I don’t want the same thing to happen to you… the “disbanded” stamp isn’t very welcome… do your best!

Takahashi looked at him happily and set his mind on the task at hand… he was ready!

[oipotty]

Zep picked up his jacket that he had threw on one of the barrels, wiping off some of the blood that had been picked up, made a face, and left the room, leaving Takahashi staring at the barren room again. He had to do more thinking, and thinking wasn’t one of his many fortes. He definitely wouldn’t make a good strategist, maybe more of a action kind of guy. He’d definitely rather be in the battle than thinking and strategizing about it. True, there were some people who could do both, but he was exclusively for battling. That was part of the reason why he disliked pick-up missions and boring chores that didn’t require any ninja skills. He’d prefer conflict and action… However, he liked this mission so far. He was meeting the other people in his clan, hopefully more people would come and he would be able to do more. However, it would never end if he didn’t think of a strategy… and asking others of the Ketsueki Clan definitely wasn’t an option.

Suddenly, he had some very peculiar ideas. What if he cut himself to make fresher blood… maybe they would come to him because he had the freshest blood? It was a strange idea and Takahashi didn’t know if the leeches could even smell that far. HE would have to set something up and take a nap for a little. When he woke up, maybe there would be some results. Why did he have to sleep now anyways? It was five in the afternoon and it was bright outside? Well, the previous night, he had been kept up by premonitions that haunted him like a ghost. It turned out, that it wasn’t as bad as he had thought. He didn’t know what had taken over him. He had experienced something very close to fear during that night, and although he did sleep, he didn’t sleep well. There was some kind of adage that said a deep, short sleep was better than a long, light rest. Takahashi had first-hand experience with that the previous night and it had proved true. The boy shaked his short, black hair and looked at the squirmy, slimy leeches and shook his head.

Suddenly, the boy heard a slam of a door and a man, red hair and dark eyes, walked into the room, most business-like and stood straight in front of Takahashi. The genin scanned the man and saw the classic jounin vest but underneath, the Ketsueki symbol. So, this man was a jounin… and most likely part of the elders. Takahashi thought he recognized the man’s face from the meeting in the blood room, or the lobby to the blood room. Takahashi remembered the awkward confrontation and shuddered. Looking at this new-comer, he observed the man’s look and attitude. The man had broad shoulders, powerful legs, and thick arms. He was obviously trained and at his side, several hunting knives were kept in leather sheaths. On the other side of his body, scrolls of dark parchment were kept rolled up. The light in the room shone strongly off the sturdy features on his face and he kept a strong look at Takahashi. He remembered a similar stare that Zet had given him and remembered his obvious error of saying, “So?” It had been of no consequence considering Zet was a genin as well, but this was a jounin and might take breaking customs more seriously. He still didn’t know what to do first? Suddenly, the man relaxed and smiled.

Ketsueki Jounin: So, you obviously don’t know the customs of the Sects. Well, in the Ketsueki Clan, there are two sects.

That rang a bell in Takahashi’s mind. He remembered Miroku saying something about sects… naduna and kots??? Takahashi forgot their names, but he knew they were something along those lines. The jounin saw the recognition in his mind and nodded to himself curtly. This guy seemed to be a stern and to-the-point kind of guy. That was the typical jounin attitudes, thinking they were on top of the world and better than everyone else. Of course, he would never voice this thought but he did look differently upon this type of jounins. If he voiced this thought, he would be mauled big time by super Ketsueki power…. That was definitely not on his To Do List.

Ketsueki Jounin: Haha, I see some recognition. That Miroku must’ve told you about it. Well, as you may know, there are Naguda and Kotun Sects, they were both founders of this amazing clan. You are of the Naguda Sect, just in case you didn’t know… haha. Well, I’m from the Kotun Sect when people of different Sects meet each other, the younger person greets himself in a polite manner first.

Takahashi: Huh? How come when I was talking to Zet, he waited for me to speak first when he is younger…

Ketseuki Jounin: I don’t know who Zet is, if he’s one of genin or chuunin, I wouldn’t know him. I mean, I might recognize his face, but I wouldn’t know his name. He has to be from the Naguda Sect, if that was the case. When two of the same clan meet, the older one greets first in a polite manner.

Takahashi: (Polite… oops…)

The jounin just sat upon a barrel and started whistling, leaving Takahashi to wander in his thought, thinking about his next move. How could he solve this dilemma? Again, he came to the question that he posed earlier. What did leeches like besides blood? It was definitely not more blood because there were plenty in the barrels. Maybe he should kill the leeches… no, no, that wasn’t what they wanted. What did leeches like, what did leeches like, what did leeches like? Maybe nothing… nothing at all. They were such disgusting and slimy creatures that no one liked them and they didn’t like anything. What could they possible like? Then, like a cannon, it hit him… they liked… other leeches!

[oipotty]

Takahashi wandered the boundary between consciousness and sleep. He moved dream-like through the tall weeds of his memories, remembering images of his childhood. He didn’t know where he was or what he was doing… it was the first sign of exhaustion. The previous night was much too rough to forget, and the thoughts of him, rolling around in the grass, still haunted him like a ghoul that wouldn’t leave him alone. Now, his body was trying to force him to make up for the sleep but his mind was telling him not to. It was a struggle between his mind and his body. It was a fierce struggle, but finally his mind won, relieving him of the sleep, as he crossed the boundary back into consciousness. His eyes opened, and he found them watery… the jounin was gone… he didn’t even introduce himself with his name!

Curious, the boy set back to work, trying to concentrate upon the task at hand. What had he thought before? What had he came up with in order to lure the leeches into one spot? It was themselves… leeches loved other leeches! He should transform using the henge-no-jutsu into a leech, and they’d all come to him. But there was a problem, why would they come to him if there were hundreds of other leeches in the room? Well, that would mean he would have to transform into a huge leech and they’d all come to him. Besides, small leeches liked big leeches because big leeches were full of blood. Therefore, the boy clasped his hands together in a practiced seal and began to mold chakra, slowly.

Takahashi: Henge No Jutsu

The chakra set to work and soon, he had become a giant leech. It was a genjutsu of trickery. Indeed, his body parts looked like that of a leech. However, there was one thing that he had underestimated: the chakra that it took to maintain the jutsu. Soon, he was left panting for breath. Of course, the leeches didn’t immediately come to him… it took some time for them to notice him and start crawling to him. Therefore, the boy had to maintain the jutsu for some time. Finally, Takahashi saw a few leeches coming towards him and smiled… it was working!

His chakra supply was dwindling and he knew he couldn’t keep this up for more than ten minutes longer… and that would be pushing it greatly. Takahashi also knew that it would take much more than ten minutes to lure all of the leeches over. That meant he would have to speed up the process. Releasing the henge jutsu for a few seconds, he felt a jolt of relief run through his body. Without hesitation, he jumped into one of the barrels of blood, completely drenching himself with it. Then, he walked over to where the leeches seemed to be most populated, and stood right there so they could crawl to him. Leeches loved blood, but they couldn’t just stand there drinking blood forever! He waited for ten minutes and he was reaching his limit. He was going to pass out if he waited any longer. However, there was good news. The leeches were slowly crawling to him… many had, to Takahashi’s disgust and delight, already surrounded his leg.

The jutsu left his body and he heaved a sigh… the leeches would stop coming to him for sure now. There was nothing he could do to lure these leeches! Frustration filled his body, he had stretched his mind to its fullest and still, it wasn’t enough. Takahashi took a seat on the ground, and fell asleep, allowing his body to control his mind. The clouds of dreams blew across the stormy sky of his mind, making everything unclear. He didn’t know how long he slept, or when he awaked… all he knew was when he got up, he was extremely sore. Takahashi opened his eyes for a split second, then closed it immediately. There was something on him… and it was heavy! Takahashi opened his eyes once again and almost vomited…

Takahashi: (THERE ARE LEECHES ON ME)

His brain sounded a red alert and he didn’t know how to keep his mouth shut. If he screamed, the people would hear him and he would definitely be embarrassed… on the other hand, he would be saved. However, if he didn’t scream, he would get another chance at the mission, if he could just get these leeches off of him. Now, they leeches were literally sucking his blood, and he could feel himself faintly dizzy. However, he felt a sense of accomplishment… he had gathered all the leeches in one place.

???: Need help?

Takashi turned around and saw that jounin that had explained to him several of the Ketsueki Etiquettes. He looked a little sheepish and was definitely embarrassed. They had found out and sent this guy over to help him. Takahashi nodded his head, definitely ashamed, and hung his head. The jounin smirked and set to work, using his hands and one earth jutsu to gather all of the leeches together, and get the leeches off of Takahashi. Then, he put all of the leeches in a extremely large container.

Takahashi: (I could’ve done the same if I had an earth jutsu and a large container. But, I should be thankful… I mean, this guy saved my life… kinda. Was he sent by the rest of the Ketsueki or did he come on his own?) Thanks… sorry, earlier I didn’t’ catch your name.

Dontores: My name is Dontores… you dug your grave when you put the blood over your body but it shows your courage and strength. You would sacrifice your own body to complete the mission. I know your wondering… I wasn’t sent by the rest of the Elders, I came by myself. I’ll tell them you passed the mission… You may leave.

With a grateful smiled, Takahashi took the basket up to the summoning room and left the building. He looked back and reasoned with himself. That mission wasn’t half bad after all. He had met new people and had done new things. There was one thing he knew for sure: it wasn’t going to be that last time he saw the Ketsueki Mansion. He would visit many times in the future and would meet all of the Ketsueki Clan. Today, he had discovered something new. He didn’t need a payment… the experience was enough. The boy traveled home in the setting sun… having already slept, he was refreshed and ready to do something. Then, he groaned…. He would have to explain for his senseis, Splinter and Jackal about all of this… it was definitely going to be a drag.

[i_feel_tiredsleepy]

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7/10

6XP

Hey great job oipotty there was some depth in this one and it was definitely much better than your missions. There were some times I felt it dragged on a little, and was a bit redundant. Over all though it was much more interesting and original than your previous missions. You're going in the right direction, few people put this kind of effort into missions.

[oipotty]

Chapter V: A New Coming


There was a particular scroll in under his bed that he never opened anymore. It wasn't as if he didn't want to, he just didn't have the time to. Takahashi rolled over on his bed, the lacy bedding rubbing up against his back. It was the night, at this time, that he thought that he might want to unravel it again. It seemed like a good idea to him because, after all, it was his only jutsu that he had learned outside of the academy. Trying to distance his thoughts from the academy, the boy reached his hands under the bed, trying to grope through the relatively small pile of rolled up and dusty parchment. He knew how large in size the scroll was: the Ketsueki Clan Jutsu Scrolls were the biggest in the pile, and he only had one. Fishing the jutsu scroll from underneath the bed, he coughed a little from the dust and unraveled it slowly, as to not rip anything accidentally. The scroll was read through quickly and he began to ponder over the content.


Name: Ketsueki Kademono
Rank: C
Type: ninjutsu, augmentation
The user drinks a small portion of an animal’s blood (it need not be fresh) and uses the information from it to adapt their body to become more like that animal. They expend chakra to enact this transformation which lasts until the user deactivates it.
Rheus Monkey: The user’s feet become more flexible and they gain prehensile toes, allowing them to use their feet with nearly as much proficiency as their hands.
Rabbit: The user increases muscle mass in their legs giving them greater speed and leg strength.
Mole: the user gains the ability to sense movement from vibrations in the earth as well as very good hearing, however their eyesight decreases greatly and they can be blinded by bright light if they rely on their eyesight too much.


He remembered his training with Miroku. It had been a hazy day with the sun's rays bouncing for cloud to cloud, never quite reaching the earth. A deep fog had hung over the desert and the Ketsueki Elder had met him and gave him a bottle. It had been his first jutsu and he really didn't know what to expect. He had been curious and guilty. The guilt came from the fact that he was letting this Miroku guy teach him when he already had two senseis: Splinter and Jackal, two former teammates of his father's. He was now "betraying", in a sense, them for his father's clanmates. The boy didn't like the thought of it and tried to re-characterize it in a different way. It was like having three senseis, he thought to himself, two taught him the basics whilst the other taught him specialized arts: in this case, Ketsueki Clan Material. He didn't know when the next time he was to meet Miroku was, nor did he want to. It was kind of exciting to be all of a sudden, grabbed out of the air and dragged to an unknown place.

The boy knew today he was out of the shifty world of missions and back into the repetitive, but not tedious act of training. It was good to be back, like he had returned home from a long journey. Every day, during his long mission-hibernation, he would be in a relaxed state, a time of peace. He would wake up at dawn and not feel the constricting manacles of the mission, free to do as he pleased, as long as it stayed in the realms of training. On several days per week, his senseis trained with him. They (Splinter and Jackal), had been increasing their visits because of the recent "kidnap". Now, he was stuck with two patronizing mentors who tried to keep a close eye on him, wherever he went. He almost even caught Splinter hiding in the shadows while he was practicing by himself. The sneaky jounin had escaped quickly, but Takahashi knew it was him.

Today was a day in which he would have free. Splinter was on an A-Ranked Mission somewhere in Kumogakure whilst Jackal was off with a team patrolling the Wind-Country's borders with the Earth Country, making sure there was no intrusions or misconduct. The Kazekage, as it was well known, disliked the Earth-Country and always had patrols sent there to keep an eye on their people, reporting suspicious activity. That strange country was known to have smugglers and corrupt traders coming in and out of the borders. That was bad news for the Wind Country and the daiyamo wasn't too pleased. That meant that today, he could train whatever he pleased. he glanced back down at the scroll that he was gripping so tightly, that his fingers turned white, then red, and placed the rusty parchment back in the ground. Today, he would complete the last part of Ketsueki Kademono...


The Rheus Monkey

However, something was calling him. It was sleep and Takahashi fell into the abyss, between consciousness and unconsciousness again. He made his way back to his dorm to sleep for the night.

[oipotty]

Takahashi awoke to streaming rays of the glinting sun. It was dawn and the early morning light was welcome on the genin's body. He stretched laboriously, flexing out all of the muscles in his body. It was a new day, a fresh day, one that would shine as bright as the sun. The fruits of today's work would be great. The boy moved slowly out of bed, unraveling the blankets from his body. His half-naked body moved slowly to the bathroom in which he undressed his tattered cloths and stepped into a steaming shower. There, he relaxed his mind and let the repetitive sound of dripping water lull him into a deep and tranquil rest. The windows fogged up and he closed his eyes letting the sunlight and water transcend the responsibilities of the day and allow him some peace.

When Takahashi awoke from his tranquil hiatus from all mental responsibility and pain, he was thrown back into a spinning world of cruelty. The boy stepped out of the shower, water dripping down from his soft, shiny hair. He wrapped himself with a towel and started making his way towards his dresser. Putting on his classic T-Shirt and baggy pants, then topping it off with the Ketsueki Robe, he moved quickly through his dirty clothing and came to a large scroll. He had forgotten about it quite some time ago and now he had just found it! What a surprise... it was the old Ketsueki Jutsu Scroll. The red parchment contained the secrets to a technique that was treasured by the genin of the clan. The name of the technique? Ketsueki Kademono, basically a transferring of blood from an animal to a human and adapting to the information in the blood creating a deathly hybrid of a human and beast. Upon trying to describe his first jutsu to another genin, he had found himself humiliated, children flinching at the uttering of the word, "blood".

It was different in the Ketsueki Clan. All in the blood clan were open about blood. After all, why were so many people afraid of blood? It was a red substance that lived inside of everyone's body. ITs what makes people live. One carries gallons of blood within his/her body. Why were people so frightened at the prospect of using blood for a jutsu? Sure, it could be disgusting, but only when it is seeping out of a person's wound. After the Ketsueki Clan was done with its enemies, that would be the time to flinch, not at the jutsu themselves. To the outside world, using blood as an object to stir fright was ridiculous. To the Ketsueki, that prospect was ridiculous. Both were convinced that their idea was right but the Ketsueki knew who was right, and who were just the closed-minded.

The black haired, red-eyed boy wound through the streets of the city, his body bending to and fro to avoid getting hit by a quick-paced bystander who just wasn't paying any attention. The boy's steady walk broke out into a run as he sped down through the streets. He saw other older shinobi chuckle a little, most likely thinking to themselves, "I remember when I was a genin..." and mothers yelp quietly, tugging their children aside. Takahashi grinned as he almost crashed into this big man who flung himself out of the way just in time. Nearby, he heard a child comment on his katana which was hanging on his back. He smiled proudly, angling himself so that all could see the distinct Ketsueki Crest upon his robe. He was proud to wear it and besides, the Ketsueki Clan wasn't as well known in Sunagakure as it should. Therefore, he was going to let people know who he was.

As the skies cleared and turned a beautiful shade of bright blue, Takahashi ran on until he reached the sandy hills of the Wind Country. True to its name, wind came from all directions, mingling together in a heavenly dance. They flirted and twisted, letting the sand travel from place to place. The wind was alive, and Takahashi knew it. He jumped up into the air smiling. While in mid-air, the genin pulled out that Ketsueki Scroll and began to read its contents like he did when he first attained the scroll to learn Ketsueki Kademono. There was something in the scroll that was bugging him and had been bugging him for quite some time now. It was the fact that he did not complete the jutsu. Well technically, he did, but there was one part that he failed to learn. It was the Rhesus Monkey technique.


Name: Ketsueki Kademono
Rank: C
Type: ninjutsu, augmentation
The user drinks a small portion of an animal’s blood (it need not be fresh) and uses the information from it to adapt their body to become more like that animal. They expend chakra to enact this transformation which lasts until the user deactivates it.
Rhesus Monkey: The user’s feet become more flexible and they gain prehensile toes, allowing them to use their feet with nearly as much proficiency as their hands.
Rabbit: The user increases muscle mass in their legs giving them greater speed and leg strength.
Mole: the user gains the ability to sense movement from vibrations in the earth as well as very good hearing, however their eyesight decreases greatly and they can be blinded by bright light if they rely on their eyesight too much.


That Rhesus Monkey Technique. it was supposed to allow your feet become as flexible as your hands. It was a technique that would definitely come in handy. He could surprise enemies by gripping weapons with his feet and fight with literally four arms. The technique would be deadly and he using this, many things would become possible. For example, during battle, he could grab a kunai from his pouch with his foot and throw it, seriously surprising the unfortunate enemy. The thought made him cackle in delight. he was going to do learn this jutsu, and learn it well. The first step to was attain some Rhesus Monkey Blood. Where the hell would he get something like that?

Suddenly, wind blew his direction and the boy, deep in thought looked up. Sand was impairing his sight as wind blew up the sand everywhere. It could only be one thing... Miroku! Takahashi grinned ferociously, Miroku had come in just the right time. HE had seen Miroku's undergarments. They were covered in miniature bottles of animal blood. He had to have one of a Rhesus Monkey. Takahashi smiled as he shielded his eyes. His teeth flashed eagerly in the blowing sand and he embraced the coming of Miroku.

Takahashi: So, you were ignoring me during the mission.

Suddenly, a bottle of blood rolled steadily to him and a figure appeared from the shadows. There was just one tiny problem.. this wasn't Miroku, this was someone else. Cursing under his breath, the boy shivered a little as the man smiled at him venomously.

[oipotty]

Thread Now Open to Nanashi777 and Wa

[Nanashi777]

ummm... rp yourself coming into Sunagakure and coming to my apartment, but finding I'm not there. Lets just say that I sent you a letter to come. Leave off at where you stand in front of my apartment door, waiting. I'll come and then we can begin the interaction. Try to make it as good of rping as possible. I'll do my best too...

Sfx: The cold wind of the morning swooshed the grass in it's still place. A pair of footsteps was heard, which echoed through the empty street.

A boy of about 14 years of age walked down the street. He didn't move fast nor did he walk slow. The boy had a black cloak, a firm katana and poofy brown hair that covered the left side of his face. He took a brief pause and reached his left hand into his back pocket. He removed, from it, a small note, that, after unraveled, turned out to be a letter. His eyes swayed from side to side as he read it.

Then he stuffed it back into his pocket. He looked up now and stared at the building in front of him. He seemed to like this building and all of its features. The boy walked up to the front steps and his cloak was blown to each side by the wind. As he held it together, two children ran out of the building in laughter, one chasing the other. He allowed the two to pass and then was on his way to the apartment he wassearching for.

He took the appropriate measures to reach the door of the apartment, on the way stopping to pet a shy cat he came across. He stood at the door, once again took out the letter and read it.

Boy: "(Yup, this is it...)"

The boy knocked on the door and heard no one answer. He repeated his knockin with even more strength and yelled at the door.

Boy: "I am Wa Kowalski, this letter came to me and told me to come here."

No response took a sigh out of the shinobi. He took a seat by the door with his back pressing against the wall. He kept his elbows resting on each coresponding knee and stared at the ceiling. The silence haunted, yet invited, his soul.

[oipotty]

There was something in the air. Takahashi looked at his surroundings. He was in a small forest before the scorching sands. The water was warm and it had slipped twinkling over the yellow sands in the sunlight before reaching a narrow pool. On one side of the river the golden foothill slopes curved up to the strong and rocky sand dunes. On the valley side the water was lined with trees - willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf junctures the debris of the winter's flooding; and sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs and branches that arch over the pool. On the sandy bank under the trees the leaves lie deep and so crisp that a lizard makes a great skittering if he ran among them. Rabbits came out of the brush to sit on the sand in the evening, and the damp flats are covered with teh night tracks of coons, and with the spread pads of dogs from the ranches, and with the split-wedge tracks of deer that come to drink in the dark.

There was a path through the willows and among the sycamores, a path beaten hard by shinobi traveling to and fro on their daily businesses. In front of the low horizontal limb of a giant sycamore there was an ash pile made by many fires; the limb was worn smooth by shinobi who had sat on it for rest after long days of training. Takahashi worked his way back to Sunagakure where he expected to meet a newcomer, one that would train with him. Splinter and Jackal were the ones who arranged this and Takahashi was glad that at least they weren't going to impose in on this little training session. He wanted to meet this shinobi for himself. Was this guy going to be tall and slender, tall and fat, slender but short, or fat and short? What kind of jutsu would this other shinobi have?

Takahashi moved swiftly through the underbrush. He was getting more eager to reach the apartment building. AS he got closer, the city of the sand grew larger and larger, the noise becoming louder and louder. Takahashi moved into the gates after some preliminary checks from a pair of guards and into his apartment building. Cautiously, he ran up the flights of stairs and saw a boy sitting down by his door. Making sure the other didn't see him, he slipped a smoke bomb out from his pouch. Then, quietly, he threw it over towards the other. It burst into smoke filling the entire hallway with purple smoke. Then, he yelled out...

Takahashi: Are you Wa?

[Nanashi777]

Wa had his head both up and down the whole time. He was stunned by the explosion of a smoke bomb. He didn't expect this to happen, to have a smoke bomb fill the room till visibilty was gravley near imposible. Wa's first reaction was to throw up the collar of his cloak. Then he squinted his eyes. All of this to prevent inhaling or having his eyes come in contact with the smoke. Then he grasped his Katana, Could this be a trap? he thought to himself. He was ready for an attack. All that was left to do was to reply.

Wa: "Yes, it is Wa."

He stood up, still grasping his sword, having his cloak cover his mouth and squinting his eyes. He saw that the smoke was slowley dismersing. He knew not when it'd completley empty the room of its existance. He tried to make out a shadowy figure by the staircase, where the voice came from, but non was there. He took out his katana as he heard his own footsteps, from standing, echoe throughout the desolate, other than Wa and the voice, corridor. He gripped his katana harder as he followed up.

Wa: "Is this Takahashi?"

This would decide if he was being attacked...or screened. Either way he felt awkward, for to be invited and then greeted in such a fashion was very odd indeed and being anomously called in and then ambushed wasn't exactly crystal clear either. Could've this be the work of his own sensei, Chris? Or perhaps his master? He didn't like the smell the aura in the room stenched of but he waited for a response in a bent forward, focused stance.

[oipotty]

Takahashi moved swiftly through the smoke and placed a hand on the other as the smoke cleared. He smiled as he saw the features of a boy appear in the hallway. This was Wa, the shinobi he was to train with.

Takahashi: Well, we should probably move outside.

Without waiting, the boy sped out of the door and through the desert until he found a comfortable spot in the sandy grounds. Takahashi took out his own katana and took up a stance. He turned around to wait for the other genin to catch up. He wasn't trying to show off, though it might seem like he was. The boy was merely extremely curious at this other boy's abilities.

Takahashi: This is where we'll train. Lets test each others abilities first though to see where we're at.

[Nanashi777]

Wa: "(Hmm..)"

Wa sped through the stairs, out the door and through the desert. The heat burned down at his poofy hair and made the air under him feel hotter than hell itself. As he approached the spot about ten feet away from Takahashi, he heard what he had said and took out his own Katana.

Wa: "Very well"

Wa hunched his back forwards and took odd steps that required his legs to be spread out a foot and a half. He used, in this move, stregnth rather than speed, which was rather new for this genin, as he slowley took large zig zag steps towards the other shinobi. As he came face to face with his training commrade, Wa lifted his Katana in a relativley verticle manner and sliced it straight down with two hands, aimed for the opponent's right shoulder.

Wa: "..."